Monday, April 16, 2012

Dustin Ray plays Music & Market Friday

Music & Market with the Zydecajun sounds of Dustin Ray & Southern Groove at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 20 at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, I-49 exit 19B, in Opelousas. Mustard greens, this week’s featured vegetable, will be available for sale and samples.

Ray started playing music when he was 10 years old. His greatest influences were his late father, Jeffery Lantier and late great-grandfather, Leroy Broussard, whose band, Leroy Broussard and the Lagniappe Gang, is best known for the "Lemonade Song," which became a big hit for many musicians.

Ray started off playing drums and continued until he experienced the accordion. By age 14, he was playing in area restaurants and sitting in with other bands at local festivals. Ray’s greatest inspirations were the sounds of Wayne Toups, Belton Richard, Steve Riley, Buckwheat Zydeco, Otis Redding and many other recording artists.

Born in 1985 in Scott, Ray is the oldest of three children. With the help and support of his family and friends, he has recorded two albums of his own, as well as being a special guest on other musician's albums.

The majority of Music & Market events, free, outdoor, cultural events, are held at Le Vieux Village/Farmer’s Market Pavilion, located at 828 East Landry St., in Opelousas. The May 4 and May 11events will take place downtown on the St. Landry Parish Courthouse Square.

On Friday, April 27, Music & Market features Leon Chavis and the Zydeco Flames at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion/Le Vieux Village. The evening includes the second annual Trash Art exhibit.

The receptacles will eventually be placed in the downtown area of Opelousas. Ortego Oil Supply in Opelousas is donating the barrels for the project.

Music & Market happens from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Fridays, with music beginning at 6 p.m. Concert-goers are welcome to bring lawn chairs for seating. Because beverages sales for the concert series go towards and event expenses, ice chests will not be allowed.

The remaining spring 2012 lineup features:

April 27 – Leon Chavis & the Zydeco Flames (zydeco); snap beans

May 4 – LA 31 (variety); cabbage

May 11 – Jamie Bergeron & Kickin Cajuns (Cajun); okra

May 18 – Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress (swamp pop); tomatoes

May 25 – Goldman Thibodeaux & the Lawtell Playboys (Creole); squash

This event is presented by City of Opelousas Tourism with support from St. Landry Homestead, Delta Media, Acadiana Council for the Arts (ACA), LA Division of the Arts, Union Pacific Railroad, Delta Media Corporation, CenterPoint Energy, Louisiana Lottery, Shop Rite, IESI, American Bank, Bodemuller the Printer and Cleco.